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GROW
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3.5.2 MTA TAP Card
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Purpose
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( ) To release a new policy
( ) To release a new form
(X) To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes
( ) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s).
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Policy
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1. Effective June 1, 2009, the new TAP system will require all MTA riders to possess a TAP card to purchase a daily, weekly or monthly pass. The TAP system will not impact the cost of transit fares; or sale of tokens or acceptance of cash and tokens by MTA or other carriers who convert to the TAP system. The only impact to riders is a $1.00 fee for the purchase of the first TAP card.
2. Effective immediately, GROW/General Relief (GR) staff are required to take the following action during the transportation issuance process:
· Inform participants of the implementation of the new TAP system.
· Issued participants without a TAP card an additional $1.00 to purchase a card when a transportation payment is processed.
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Background
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The TAP system is Los Angeles County’s new fare collection system. The new system was launched in January 2009, and on March 15, 2009, TAP cards replaced paper daily passes. The TAP system uses plastic electronic TAP cards to collect transit fares, and will make it easier for riders to transfer between transit operators; purchase transit fares online, and reduces fraud.
Currently, all bus and rail services operated by MTA and Culver City Transit Municipal Bus Lines accept TAP cards as transit fare payments. In addition, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Montebello Bus Lines, Santa Clarita Transit and Norwalk Transit are currently converting to TAP. Over the next two years, most municipal lines accept TAP.
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Definitions
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Term
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Description
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TAP Card
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The TAP card is a re-usable, re-loadable, electronic plastic card that stores different types of transit fares including daily, weekly, and monthly passes. It also stores pass information/account balance. The card doesn’t have to be replaced because transit fares can be purchased and re-loaded onto the existing card.
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Requirements
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Requirement
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Limit/Condition
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Purchase locations
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TAP cards can must be purchased/validated with cash and credit/debit cards at Metro Customer Centers. There are more than 400 purchase locations including Cash It Here, Nix Check Cashing, selected Vons, Ralph’s, Pavilion stores, and online at www.taptogo.net
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Usage
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Before boarding, rider must tap card on bus fare box or rail station validator, and wait until a beep and message confirms that the card is valid. If the card is invalid, a message will instruct the rider to validate the card before boarding.
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Transfers
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· To transfer to a municipal line from a MTA TAP carrier, the rider must use the TAP card on the MTA bus line, pay the bus operator the cash fee for a MTA-to-Municipal transfer, and use the paper transfer for the local connecting carrier.
· To transfer from a municipal line to an MTA TAP carrier, the rider must tap the TAP card on the MTA carrier.
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Train Transit Riders
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Train rider must validate card before boarding train to avoid a cititation. Train transit carriers that accept the TAP card have fare inspectors with TAP card readers on board to ensure riders have valid cards. Riders with invalid cards or those who fail to tap card on the fare validator will be cited for fare evasion. These citations carry a $250 fine.
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Lost or Stolen Cards
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Riders must report lost or stolen card by calling 1.866.TAPTOGO or by going online at www.taptogo.net.
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Balance Protection Program
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Riders must pay a $5.00 fee to replace a lost or stolen TAP card with its remaining balance or pass information through MTA free Balance Protection Program.
Riders who purchase the TAP card online are automatically enrolled in the Program. However, those who purchase the card at TAP sales locations must sign-up by calling 1.866.TAPTOGO or by going online at www.taptogo.net.
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Verification Documents
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N/A
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